16 Games That Need to Be on the Nintendo 64 Classic

Nintendo’s first console with 3D games, the Nintendo 64, revolutionized a number of beloved franchises and genres.

And with the SNES Classic now available, the Nintendo 64 is the next home console in line to conceivably receive the Classics treatment. So what would a possible library for the theoretical N64 Classic Edition look like? IGN boiled the system's library down to 16 games representing a variety of genres while also making sure to include some of the most influential titles to release on Nintendo's 64-bit system. Yes, there may be better iterations of some of these games on later Nintendo systems, but many of them are foundational to the N64's history.

Some caveats before hitting the list:

One Nintendo 64 DD game has been included. The peripheral only released in Japan had a handful of games released for it, and given the SNES Classic Edition's inclusion of Star Fox 2, a never-before released game, we thought it best to include something along those lines for the N64 Classic.

Rare games were a tricky territory — because the company is now owned by Microsoft, the licenses and ability to release their games on a Nintendo-related platform ever again may be impossible or a logistical, legal nightmare. We included a couple of Rare games below but left off those that have appeared on Microsoft-published collections. So, sorry Banjo-Kazooie fans. We're disappointed, too.

Games were chosen in part because of their legacy being associated with the Nintendo 64 specifically. That's why you won't see much in the way of multiplatform games on this list, as though they may have been better games, they're not necessarily defined by their ties to the N64.

Because we aimed to make a list that not only hit many of the console's high notes but also represented a wide variety of games in all genres, some of your favorites — and even some of ours — were likely left off the list.

And with all of that out of the way, here is our N64 Classic wishlist. Be sure to let us know which games you think should be included in this would-be console in the comments below.

1080 Snowboarding

Though 1080 Snowboarding has a somewhat difficult learning curve, shredding the slopes in the N64 snowboarding game remains fun years later, especially while SSX remains in hibernation. It also represents a unique aspect of Nintendo’s history — a sports game not tied to any existing franchise, but just focused on the thrill of racing down a mountain trail.

Donkey Kong 64

Donkey Kong 64 may not be Rare’s nest N64 platformer, but a certain bear and bird may be tied up on other systems. Assuming those issues persist, DK64 is still a strong example of Rare’s platforming heyday, aside from the overabundance of collectibles. But creative puzzles, challenging platforming, and that awesome, earworm of an opening rap earn the Kong family a spot on the list.

Goldeneye 007

Rare proved the possibility of first-person shooters on a console could not just work but also be a lot of fun with GoldenEye 007. Shooters, and their controls, have come a long way since, but the fun campaign and classic multiplayer is a defining landmark for the system and the shooter genre, earning itself a spot on the list...even if it means dealing with your annoying friend who only plays as Odd Job all over again.

The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask

Majora’s Mask is one of the weirdest Zelda’s out there, and also one of the most uniquely fun to play. With players trapped on a looping timer of three in-game days, discovering the ins and outs of Termina to properly complete quests, collect masks, and, uh, stop the moon from crashing into the earth, is one of the more challenging but rewarding quests the Hero of Time has embarked on.

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

Widely regarded as one of, if not the best Zelda and N64 game, Ocarina of Time’s absence on an N64 mini would be criminal. Pushing the series into 3D, so many of the staples that have come to define the franchise are born out of Ocarina, which includes incredible dungeons and brilliant puzzles. Hyrule may look prettier in new Zelda entries, but it’s still a joy to ride Epona out into the open fields for the first time.

Mario Golf

Mario has tried out no shortage of sports in his lifetime — look forward to Mario Cricket this fall — but Mario Golf teed off his modern run of sports titles with a strong debut on the N64. The robust and easily understandable gameplay is fun across the game’s eight courses. And though the series would be improved upon in future entries, Mario’s debut on the green is definitely no bogey.

Mario Kart 64

Block Fort, Block Fort, Block Fort! Mario Kart 64 has some great tracks, pushed the series into 3D, and is a step up from Super Mario Kart, but its multiplayer Battle Mode is an absolute joy. Duking it out in the beloved Block Fort — and the other solid Battle stages — is as fun as racing for 1st place in one of the best multiplayer experiences on the N64.

Mario Party 2

The N64 is home to two of the best Mario Party entries ever, but Mario Party 2’s minigame collection and gameplay represents a much larger jump in quality from the original. Shock Drop or Roll, Sneak n Snore, Hexagon Heat, and so many more minigames remain a total blast to play, even if they’ll incite some fights with friends.

Paper Mario

Mario has a long history of surprisingly great RPGs, and Paper Mario is no exception. The gorgeous pop-up book aesthetic is married to a hilarious script that at the time felt like such a refreshing break from Mario’s traditional adventures. (Of course, it has its roots in the SNES Classic inclusion Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars.) Its sequel may be better, but the memorable cast of characters, the smart use of paper physics for gameplay and goofs and the short story I wrote about the Lakitu Watt in 6th grade all make this 2D Mario’s 3D outing a standout N64 entry.

Pokemon Puzzle League

The great Tetris Attack lives on in Pokemon Puzzle League, an excellent example of the puzzle franchise — and an aesthetically faithful Pokemon spinoff. Combining the look of the anime with the fast, frenetic puzzle-solving of Tetris Attack in both single and multiplayer form. Plus, any chance to put Gary in his place is worth taking.

Pokemon Snap

That Nintendo hasn’t published a sequel to Pokemon Snap is one of the company’s biggest crimes — the other of course being The Luigi Incident of ‘97. One of the best Pokemon spinoffs, Snap takes such a unique idea and marries it with the core tenant of “catching” Pokemon as Todd Snap (Yes, that’s your characters name.) for a ridiculously fun adventure that should not be forgotten to time.

Star Wars: Rogue Squadron

The fun, fast-paced action of Rogue Squadron allowed you to be in the midst of all the mayhem of a Star Wars space battle in style, especially thanks to the Expansion Pak-enhanced graphics. Rogue Squadron may not stack up to more modern Star Wars entries but its tight controls and smart level design combine for one of the more fun Star Wars gaming outings.

Super Mario 64

A defining moment for camera control, platformers, and console gaming at large, Super Mario 64 is, without a doubt, one of the most iconic Nintendo games ever released. Simply pulling off a triple jump outside of Peach’s Castle remains a joy, even today. Whether it’s racing with Big Penguin, taking on Big Bob-omb, or discovering secret star locations, Super Mario 64’s inventive levels can still prove challenging all these years later.

Super Smash Bros.

What has become one of Nintendo’s tentpoles started off as such an oddity — all of Nintendo’s mascots coming together to wail on each other? The fighting franchise has proven itself over and over, though, and it all started with the solid foundation of the first Super Smash Bros. Despite a limited roster, the fighting is still an absolute joy, especially on iconic stages like Planet Zebes and Hyrule Castle.

Wave Race 64

Genre defining, as IGN’s Peer Schneider called it at the time, Wave Race 64 offered excellent controls, varied and fun tracks, and a challenging stunt mode. Though adapting to Wave Race’s physics may prove more difficult than sliding onto the race tracks of Mario Kart, it’s just as rewarding to learn how to bob, weave, and barrell roll — it’s not just for Star Foxes — through the choppy, virtual waters.

F-Zero Expansion Kit — N64 DD

Like the SNES Classic’s revival of a never-released game, it’s only fair that the N64 Mini continue this trend of having a rare inclusion. The 64DD peripheral and its special software only released in Japan, but the N64 Mini could make its games available around the world, and F-Zero X Expansion Kit is the one we’re most excited to try. Not only do you get the full F-Zero X, but the expansion kit adds 12 more stages, a car editor, and track creator. That’s a pretty elaborate set of options for an N64 game we’d love to see finally available around the world.

While this list was made with the input of several IGN staffers, Jonathon Dornbush ultimately compiled the final list. You can yell at him about his choices on Twitter @jmdornbush. But he will never regret Pokemon Puzzle League's inclusion. Ever.